Dispatcher control (cab control)To operate more than one train using direct current (DC) train control, a model railroad can be divided into a series of isolated electrical blocks. A dispatcher then assigns one or more blocks to an operator’s cab, allowing him to run his train in these areas. Memory throttleA memory throttle allows an […]
Code of railPrototype railroads use rail of varying heights and weights depending on the type and frequency of trains that run on it. On model railroads, code is the height of the rail measured in hundredths of an inch. See fig. 2. FlextrackWhile some modelers handlay their tracks by spiking the rail to individual wood […]
Running trains with Digital Com-mand Control (DCC) is a lot of fun, and it can make operating a model railroad an enjoyable experience. However, all those DCC electronic components and sound decoders don’t mean much if you can’t get a reliable signal to the tracks. When it comes down to it, nickel-silver rail is a […]
How to wire power-routing turnouts: While it may initially seem difficult, basic two-rail wiring for power-routing turnouts is easy if you understand and apply just two simple rules. The diagrams below demonstrate these crucial wiring principles. Rule 1: Gap the rails between turnouts located frog-to-frog. Place gaps in both rails, between turnout frogs in opposite […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]
Paul Helgeson has less than 100 square feet dedicated to his layout, but the variety of scenes is astonishing. Here we offer some additional photographs showing more of his spectacular modeling. Click on each photo to see a larger image. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows the best way to pack up your model trains so the cars and paint won’t get damaged. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows the best way to pack up your model trains so the cars and paint won’t get damaged. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows how to prepare plastic parts for painting. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows how to prepare plastic parts for painting. […]
Sometimes we have more photos than we can possibly fit in the allotted pages for a layout article. After choosing the ones we considered to best illustrate the story of Wayne’s layout, we thought we’d share some of the “outtakes” with our subscribers for even more sights on this fabulous railroad. Click on each photo […]
